Tanzanian protesters reportedly loot singer Juma Jux’s fashion store

Chaos erupts after disputed presidential election

A wave of unrest has reportedly swept through parts of Tanzania following a disputed general election, leading to widespread demonstrations and property destruction in several cities. Among the affected businesses is a luxury fashion store owned by popular Tanzanian singer Juma Jux, which was reportedly looted by protesters.

According to reports, the protests began on Thursday after opposition supporters took to the streets to express dissatisfaction over alleged irregularities and detentions that marred the electoral process. Opposition leaders and civil society groups have accused electoral officials of bias and called for the cancellation of the election results, which they claim do not reflect the will of the people.

Singer’s store targeted amid protests

In the midst of the unrest, unverified claims circulated on social media suggesting that Juma Jux’s fashion store—a well-known luxury brand outlet in Dar es Salaam—had been set on fire.

An X (formerly Twitter) user identified as Bolaji Fesomade alleged that the singer’s store, said to be valued at around $780 million, was completely destroyed by protesters. The post quickly gained attention online, sparking concern among fans and entertainment industry figures across East Africa.

However, further checks and clarifications have shown that while the store was attacked during the protest, it was not burnt down as initially claimed.

Juma Jux’s wife refutes claim of fire damage

Reacting to the viral reports, Juma Jux’s wife, Priscilla Ojo, took to Snapchat to address the situation. In a short message posted on her story, she clarified that the property was “looted not burnt.”

Her comment appeared to confirm that while the store sustained significant losses due to theft and vandalism, it did not suffer fire damage as was being reported on social media.

The brief statement has since been shared widely by entertainment blogs and news platforms, helping to correct the misinformation that had earlier spread online.

Social media fuels misinformation amid political tension

The incident has once again highlighted the role of social media in spreading unverified information, especially during periods of political unrest. Within hours of the protests, dozens of posts containing conflicting reports emerged online, some claiming that the protests had escalated into full-blown riots in major Tanzanian cities.

Analysts and civic organizations have urged citizens to rely on credible news outlets and official statements to avoid panic and misinformation.

“Moments like this tend to generate a lot of fake news,” said one media observer. “People should verify before sharing, especially when it concerns public figures and sensitive political events.”

Who is Juma Jux?

Juma Jux, born Juma Musa Mkambala, is one of Tanzania’s leading R&B and Afro-pop artists. Known for his smooth vocals and fashion-forward lifestyle, he has been a significant figure in East Africa’s entertainment scene for over a decade.

Beyond music, Jux has built a reputation as an entrepreneur through his fashion brand “African Boy”, which offers designer clothing and accessories. The store targeted during the protests is part of this growing business empire.

Over the years, Jux has collaborated with several African artists, including Vanessa Mdee, Nyashinski, and Diamond Platnumz, helping to solidify his presence as a style icon and trendsetter in the region.

Political unrest continues across Tanzania

As of Friday, reports indicate that protests continued in several areas despite the government’s warnings against public demonstrations. Security forces have been deployed in parts of Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Dodoma to disperse protesters and prevent further destruction.

Local human rights groups have called on authorities to exercise restraint and open dialogue with opposition figures to avoid escalation.

Meanwhile, election observers and foreign missions have urged transparency in the handling of the electoral disputes, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolution and respect for democratic principles.

Entertainment industry voices concern

The Tanzanian entertainment community has expressed solidarity with Juma Jux and other business owners affected by the unrest. Several musicians and actors took to social media to condemn the violence, urging protesters to demonstrate peacefully without targeting private businesses.

A prominent Tanzanian artist posted, “We understand the pain and frustration, but destroying each other’s livelihoods will not fix the problem. We must find peace and dialogue.”

Fans across East Africa have also sent messages of support to Juma Jux and his wife, encouraging them to stay strong amid the turmoil.

Calm yet to return

As tension remains high, the Tanzanian government has not yet released an official statement regarding the alleged looting of Juma Jux’s store. Authorities have, however, pledged to investigate all incidents of vandalism and ensure justice for victims of property damage.

For now, efforts are underway to restore calm in affected regions, even as citizens continue to demand electoral transparency and justice.